Mary Friesen

Mary Friesen September 28, 1931 - November 14, 2009

Mary C. Friesen, age 78, of Faribault, entered her eternal home on Saturday, November 14, 2009 following a courageous battle with cancer at the St. Lucas Care Center in Faribault. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Shieldsville. Interment will be at the St. Patrick Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday for one hour prior to the services at the church. Mary Catherine McKenna was born on September 28, 1931 at St. Lucas Deaconess Hospital in Faribault to James and Ruth (Norris) McKenna. She grew up on the family century farm on the south shore of Lake Mazaska. She attended the one room school house in Shieldsville and then graduated from Bethlehem Academy in 1949, with the class which was the last to graduate from the "old" B.A. Mary attended Mankato State College and then taught grade school at Immaculate Conception for three years. Mary was an active member of the Shieldsville 4-Star 4-H Club and won several trips to the State Fair. After graduating, she enjoyed the activities of the Rice County Rural Youth Group, an educational and social club. Mary married Roger J. Friesen on October 22, 1955 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. They made their home in southern Faribault for over 54 years. Mary taught religion classes at Immaculate Conception Church for several years, and also was a scout leader and room mother; always active in her children''s lives. Mary worked for Ochs'' Brothers Department Store in downtown Faribault for 20 years. She sewed custom drapes in her home, which was a great job for a stay at home mother. She learned to sew by making doll clothes and advanced to making much of her own clothing. Mary began her banking career at Security National Bank in 1953 and retired from 1st United Bank in August, 2009. She enjoyed being a teller for almost 40 years. She was awarded the "Minnesota Quality Service Award" twice. Mary enjoyed traveling and visiting historic sites around the country. Family was the heart and soul of her life. She enjoyed gathering all the family to celebrate birthdays and holidays. She loved her church and almamater, Bethlehem Academy and gave of herself in many ways in service to them. Mary is survived by her husband, Roger of Faribault; four children, Cathy Mach (and Rob Whinnery) of Northfield, Ruth (and Bill) Chavis, Peggy (and Jeff) Purdie, and Ed Friesen, all of Faribault; two grandchildren, Ryan Truax (and fiance

Renea Jeremy Camisha, sisters-in-law, Apple many parents; sister Friesen. Catholic and grand Valley, Schlegel) Chavis Church, sister, The Jerone, brother-in-law, nieces and Gerald family Susan (and St. and Kenn and and Patrick fiance prefers Chad (and McKenna; Jaline; nephews, (and Jeanette Ceil) Truax Catholic Krista memorials Sandy) brother, Friesen father (and and (Friesen) Banon) Church, Friesen James cousins. fiance and be of Faribault, directed and mother-in-law, and of or McKenna Sarah Joe Sioux Faribault Jim She to Chavis Francis O''Neil; was Dalby); Falls, Bethlehem of Area Shieldsville; preceded Edward and SD; and (and two Hospice. his 25 brother-in-law, Academy, step Sharon) children, and nieces in grandchildren, death three Rose and Friesen Divine Isaiah, brothers by Friesen; nephews, Bill her of Mercy and